SuperCoach BBL: Mike Hussey’s magic men for this BBL season ahead
The taunting has been ridiculous in the box, and it’s nothing compared to what I’ve been copping in the DMs on social from Warnie. So, with the Big Bash League season about to get underway, here’s my side for the SuperCoach season...subject to change!
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The taunting has been ridiculous in the box, and it’s nothing compared to what I’ve been copping in the DMs on social from Warnie.
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So, with the Big Bash League season about to get underway, here’s my side for the SuperCoach season...subject to change!
BATTING
USMAN KHAWAJA | SYDNEY THUNDER | 59.0 avg. in BBL|08 | $198,500 in BBL|09
Out of favour with the national selectors, but he’s destined to be in favour with SuperCoach players – especially because the Thunder play twice in Round 1. You’ve gotta have him if you want to take SuperCoach BBL seriously this season.
CHRIS LYNN | BRISBANE HEAT | 43.6 avg. | $173,000
A bit down on numbers last year compared to the previous years, Lynn is determined to push himself into national selection consideration for the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020, and he’ll need a big BBL season to get a spot; he’s good enough to do so, and he’s more than good enough for my SuperCoach side.
JAMES VINCE | SYDNEY SIXERS | 48.5 avg. | $139,500
One of the best imports who is going under the radar a bit, Vince doesn’t mess around at the top of the order, and his T20 record is top-notch. He’s already experienced what the Big Bash has to offer, and I expect him to go even better in BBL|09.
ALEX HALES | SYDNEY THUNDER | no avg. in BBL|08 | $125,000
Another Englishman who is something of a short-form specialist, Hales hasn’t really struck the Big Bash with the power and precision that he has brought to other international competitions, but I’m fully expecting that to change in the coming season.
CHRIS MORRIS | SYDNEY THUNDER | no avg. in BBL|08 | $125,000
The big South African has such great T20 form – he’s been doing well in the Msanzi Super League in his native country. His history of successful performances in the IPL indicates that he’ll also do well in the BBL.
JAKE FRASER-McGURK | MELBOURNE RENEGADES | no BBL|08 avg. | $42,000
WILL SUTHERLAND | MELBOURNE RENEGADES | 17.0 avg. | $42,000
They’re an easy two to pick for the bench, with dual position player flexibility and at bargain basement prices. I’m not sure how often they’ll play, but I like their potential and think that they’re too good to go past, allowing me to spend heavily in other areas of the ground.
KEEPING
JOSH PHILIPPE | SYDNEY SIXERS | 42.7 avg. | $123,000
With the Sixers’ wicketkeeper opening the batting in their latest trial match, he’s another must-have in SuperCoach, particularly with the Sixers having so many double-ups in the first few rounds – they play five times in the first three rounds, so he’s a must-have.
JIMMY PEIRSON | BRISBANE HEAT | 20.7 avg. | $62,500
Cheap enough to sit on the bench, don’t be surprised if Peirson becomes a regular big-hitter at the end of the Heat innings – he’s been in form for Queensland, striking the ball sweetly.
SUPERCOACH BBL STUDY GUIDES:
> Adelaide Strikers SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Brisbane Heat SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Hobart Hurricanes BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Renegades BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Stars BBL|09 preview
> Perth Scorchers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Sixers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Thunder BBL|09 preview
Register for SuperCoach BBL now!
BOWLING
TOM CURRAN | SYDNEY SIXERS | 73.0 avg. | $210,000
At this stage, my third English import is also my captain – if you have him in your SuperCoach BBL side, it’s the obvious move to make given that he plays for the Sixers, which means he’ll have more points-scoring opportunities than any other player, such is his history in the BBL, and his ability to go large in SuperCoach earning capacity.
SEAN ABBOTT | SYDNEY THUNDER | 67.9 avg. | $195,300
Yep, he’s pricey for a BWL-only option, but he’s a proven wicket taker who leads the Sixers throughout the history of the Big Bash League. Last year he won the Steve Waugh Medal as the best Male Player in NSW cricket, and last season saw him take more wickets than anyone else in the BBL. He’s worth his near $200,000 price tag.
BEN CUTTING | BRISBANE HEAT | 63.6 avg. | $182,900
Another player with DPP flexibility, no other Heat player comes close to him – he has played more games, taken more wickets, and runs second-most for runs scored for the team. Smashing a 17-ball half-century also shows just how quickly he can score when he gets an opportunity, with an amazing Strike Rate of 151.78 across the 65 games he’s played.
DANIEL SAMS | SYDNEY THUNDER | 59.1 avg. | $170,200
With 20 Big Bash League games under his belt, Sams is on the cusp of having a breakout season. His form for NSW has been very solid, but I think that this BBL season it could become spectacular – he bowls a tight line and really throws his arms at the ball with bat in hand. Another DPP player who can be a Point of Difference for my side.
MOISES HENRIQUES | SYDNEY SIXERS | 35.3 avg. | $101,500
His Marsh Cup form and subsequent innings in the Sheffield Shield have indicated that he’s striking the ball sweetly, but the best thing of all is that Henriques appears to be over his injury that curtailed him last season, which means he should bowl his full quota of overs in BBL|09. It makes him a very cheap DPP option.
CAMERON GREEN | PERTH SCORCHERS | 12.0 avg. | $42,000
HARRY CONWAY | ADELAIDE STRIKERS | no BBL avg. in BBL|08 | $42,000
Green might not bowl much this year, but his batting for the Scorchers will see him score nicely – there’s every chance he could go from a bench option to a regular XI of my side. Harry Conway’s form for NSW has been impressive, and if he brings that to the Strikers then he’ll get under the grill of many batsmen in the BBL season.
SUPERCOACH BBL CELEB SIDES:
> Warne is good on the lip, but is he ready to take on BJ?
> Vaughan's opportunity awaits – it's time for Warne to be hit out of the park
> Watch out Warnie – Isa is coming for you
> Mark Howard's one aim this SuperCoach BBL season
> The side everyone wants to beat: Warnie reveals his squad
ADD THE CELEBS TO YOUR SUPERCOACH LEAGUES: all celebrities playing the SuperCoach BBL game are now available to add to your leagues!
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Originally published as SuperCoach BBL: Mike Hussey’s magic men for this BBL season ahead